Friday (6/15) started with waking up to new faces. Mary, Mike, as well as part of the Estelí team arrived late night on Thursday. They are here to do a crusade in Posoltega this week. We all scrunched into a van and went to the Feeding Center at San Jacinto that was celebrating its first meal for the kids. We took a piñata and cookies to supplement the lunch. We met 4 of the cooks and I was blown away to find out that they have over 30 women who have volunteered to cook during the month. (one of the other feeding centers has been so difficult as far as cooks, that Sherry had to have a stern talk with the moms in the area) The kids received their IDs and a good hot lunch. God is working miracles in allowing us to provide food for these feeding centers. The team rested and went downtown for a little while for them to look around. I worked on computer stuff and feeding center records in the evening.
Saturday (6/16) Vans left to pick up the rest of the teams arriving for this week’s crusade. Of course, there were some delays, but everyone made it in safely before 8pm (scheduled to arrive in mid afternoon). It was raining hard and most of the team made it to the church service. I stayed back at the team house with Mary and we made sure that dinner was ready for everyone coming in late. We also helped them find their rooms and get settled for the night. Earlier in the day, I worked in the sewing room on preparing fabric and machines for a marathon Apron Sewing project. I’m thrilled that Connie (a team member) is happy to help out with the sewing. She is such a blessing to me! We’re making a total of about 60 aprons for the cooks at the feeding centers and I’m looking for all the help I can get! I did get a really nice nap in, though. I spent almost all day on apron project and felt good about the chunk of work we got done. I’m excited to get back to work on them this week. The group that was already here got to go to the beach for the morning. It was a great time of rest and relaxation for these guys after the week they spent at the Crusade in Estelí. I’m glad that they got to enjoy themselves.
Today, Sunday (6/17) We started off with groups going to different churches this morning. We had a wonderful lunch of grilled chicken, coleslaw, beans, rice and tortilla. After team orientation by Mike, the group split into work groups. Some prepared the toys and prizes for the Fiestas, the prizes and giveaways for the Conferences (Men, Women, Youth) this week, Mary and a few ladies helped clean up some changes in the Feeding Center sponsor picture books and I worked all afternoon putting new pictures in the picture book for La Quimera. A lot of work was accomplished today. I went to La Quimera church with Sherry, Manuel, Calen, Fred and Jonathan. Fred was going to preach as we dedicated the soccer team that is going to represent the church, but the players didn’t show up (they had a game!), so Pastor Brian did a great job. Before he got there, Manuel had Jonathan translate for him as he preached. He also got to help take up the offering. After collecting the money, he took it to Brian and ‘high-fived’ him. It was cute. Also, someone had a parakeet at church and Manuel had it on his finger. It was all fun until the bird pooped on Manuel’s hand. hahah
God has brought together teams from 3 different churches this week to work together on the Crusade in Posoltega. Mayela and I will try to get back to our regular work schedule on the Feeding Centers this week. There will be lots of Salvations and blessings galore this week. We have a great group and they are gelling well. God’s people are amazing!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
June 10 - 14, 2012
June 10 – 14, 2012
Sunday (6/10) started with Mary and Mike leaving the team house about 6am to pick up translators and heading to Estelí. The interns started the cleaning process on the team house after the Pastor’s conference from the weekend. They stripped the sheets off of all the 60+ beds, gathered dirty towels, trash and other items so that the rooms would be ready to be swept, mopped and prepared for the team coming in a week. We went to La Quimera church and Rachel gave her testimony and the three girls sang. Then all 5 interns helped with the kids’ church. Sherry had our lunch ready when we got home and then we had time in the afternoon to relax. The interns hit the pool and also kept up with washing load after load of towels. Mike had to come back to León to get some supplies that didn’t make it on the van, so he brought Rick Dean, one of our boardmembers to see the team house and feeding centers. I got to meet Rick and had a wonderful conversation with him. Rick and Mike left at 4am the next morning.
Monday (6/11) Auxiliodoro and Pastor Pedro both came early to pick up meat for their feeding centers. I dropped the interns off at the Shalom preschool for some VBS time, ran to La Union to get snacks for the VBS and while I was checking out, Sherry called me with a need for the team house. I checked the grocery bags and ran back to the meat department to get chicken for our lunch. Then I dropped the supplies off at the VBS and took the chicken to the team house and returned to VBS to pick up the interns. I’m thankful it was all on the way and I didn’t have to try to get back and forth across town. The VBS went really well. The kids are so sweet! I then dropped Mayela, Calen and Rachel off at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center (for pics and info) and took the guys and Haley with me to shop for men’s shoes for Mary to give to a little man at San Jacinto community. We found a good deal (a God thing) and went back for the girls at Monte Horeb. After lunch, I took a taxi to get my haircut and had a great time there by myself. The lady and I talked about her family and my family and did quite well without a translator. The interns helped sort and bag the veggies for the Feeding Centers. I took Lesly and Mayela with me for errands and then dropped Lesly off to go home and took Mayela on another errand and dropped her at the Bus Terminal. I got back for dinner and then printed off IDs for the San Jacinto Feeding Center. The interns worked on them while chatting in the evening.
Tuesday (6/12) The Interns went back to the Shalom preschool VBS. We ran a few errands and then got gas and headed to the La Quimera Feeding Center. Afterward, we dropped Estefanie off so she could attend her afternoon classes at the university. After lunch we weighed and measured the monthly staples (rice, beans, sugar, etc) for the feeding centers. We used the Nica scales, which are a bowl attached by string to a wooden stick. By holding the tool by specific pieces of string, you can weigh from ½ pounds to 4 pounds in the bowl. Pretty neat. I did some computer work and then found out that our evening church service was cancelled. I dropped the interns downtown for some quick shopping and took Mayela to the Bus Terminal and then went back for the interns. I got a little shopping done while waiting on them (elastic for sewing class, sharpies, bookends, snacks for Bible study). I enjoyed the evening in my room hemming 2 pairs of pants for Lesly. (I love having hand work to do while watching a video). I got the chance to talk to my Mom twice by phone.
Wednesday (6/13) I called and talked to my sister Sandy. We’ve been having phone and internet issues lately for some reason, so I take advantage of the opportunity to connect. Calen, Austin and I took the monthly food to Monte Horeb and got more pics and info. Calen and Haley went with me to the Women’s Bible Study at Las Quimeras. They shared their testimonies and we had a really good time with the ladies. There were only about 10 there, I think due to the rainy weather, but it was fun. We had brought the monthly food for that feeding center, so we hurried and unloaded it all before the rain got too strong. I did computer work that night and also called my sweet ‘daughter’ Kelly, whose husband, my sweet ‘son’ Jeremy, was in Estelí for the week. She was doing well with him gone by having friends spend lots of time with her. It was good to hear her voice.
Thursday (6/14) Our regular cook, Lydia, is sick and Sherry was working with Erika (an assistant to Lydia when we have teams) for cooking for us when the teams arrive. Erika was game, but the next day had to quit because her husband is going out of the country for a little while and she has 2 small children to take care of. So Sherry was scrambling to find a replacement just days before we start our back to back teams for the summer. Liana has helped us before and Sherry sent me and Erika and Jassiel to find her. We got to her neighborhood and found a teenaged boy to help us find her house. He jumped in the Sportage with us and directed us. His directions were pretty comical. We found Liana and she agreed to come to talk to Sherry. She jumped in the car and off we went. Before we got back on the highway, they all were yelling at me to stop. I had forgotten to let the boy get out of the car. He must have thought that I was kidnapping him! LOL Anyway, Liana came to talk with Sherry and all is well. She will cook for us this summer while Lydia is sick. I took Saturnino to the Monte Horeb feeding center to spray for bugs. While there, the neighbor girl wanted us to come and spray her mom’s house, too. I think if we would have done that, we would have ended up doing the whole community. Which is kind of a neat mission for the future… Sherry took Mayela, Lesly, Jorge and all the interns to the beach and horseback riding for their last quiet afternoon. I stayed back at the team house and got tons of work done (love my quiet time) and finished my laundry (including sheets) and was a happy camper! They ate dinner at Suyapa and I had yummy left overs from the fridge. Everyone was satisfied.
Tomorrow will bring a new phase to the summer missions. Ready for the busy season! Ready for the Harvest!!!
Sunday (6/10) started with Mary and Mike leaving the team house about 6am to pick up translators and heading to Estelí. The interns started the cleaning process on the team house after the Pastor’s conference from the weekend. They stripped the sheets off of all the 60+ beds, gathered dirty towels, trash and other items so that the rooms would be ready to be swept, mopped and prepared for the team coming in a week. We went to La Quimera church and Rachel gave her testimony and the three girls sang. Then all 5 interns helped with the kids’ church. Sherry had our lunch ready when we got home and then we had time in the afternoon to relax. The interns hit the pool and also kept up with washing load after load of towels. Mike had to come back to León to get some supplies that didn’t make it on the van, so he brought Rick Dean, one of our boardmembers to see the team house and feeding centers. I got to meet Rick and had a wonderful conversation with him. Rick and Mike left at 4am the next morning.
Monday (6/11) Auxiliodoro and Pastor Pedro both came early to pick up meat for their feeding centers. I dropped the interns off at the Shalom preschool for some VBS time, ran to La Union to get snacks for the VBS and while I was checking out, Sherry called me with a need for the team house. I checked the grocery bags and ran back to the meat department to get chicken for our lunch. Then I dropped the supplies off at the VBS and took the chicken to the team house and returned to VBS to pick up the interns. I’m thankful it was all on the way and I didn’t have to try to get back and forth across town. The VBS went really well. The kids are so sweet! I then dropped Mayela, Calen and Rachel off at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center (for pics and info) and took the guys and Haley with me to shop for men’s shoes for Mary to give to a little man at San Jacinto community. We found a good deal (a God thing) and went back for the girls at Monte Horeb. After lunch, I took a taxi to get my haircut and had a great time there by myself. The lady and I talked about her family and my family and did quite well without a translator. The interns helped sort and bag the veggies for the Feeding Centers. I took Lesly and Mayela with me for errands and then dropped Lesly off to go home and took Mayela on another errand and dropped her at the Bus Terminal. I got back for dinner and then printed off IDs for the San Jacinto Feeding Center. The interns worked on them while chatting in the evening.
Tuesday (6/12) The Interns went back to the Shalom preschool VBS. We ran a few errands and then got gas and headed to the La Quimera Feeding Center. Afterward, we dropped Estefanie off so she could attend her afternoon classes at the university. After lunch we weighed and measured the monthly staples (rice, beans, sugar, etc) for the feeding centers. We used the Nica scales, which are a bowl attached by string to a wooden stick. By holding the tool by specific pieces of string, you can weigh from ½ pounds to 4 pounds in the bowl. Pretty neat. I did some computer work and then found out that our evening church service was cancelled. I dropped the interns downtown for some quick shopping and took Mayela to the Bus Terminal and then went back for the interns. I got a little shopping done while waiting on them (elastic for sewing class, sharpies, bookends, snacks for Bible study). I enjoyed the evening in my room hemming 2 pairs of pants for Lesly. (I love having hand work to do while watching a video). I got the chance to talk to my Mom twice by phone.
Wednesday (6/13) I called and talked to my sister Sandy. We’ve been having phone and internet issues lately for some reason, so I take advantage of the opportunity to connect. Calen, Austin and I took the monthly food to Monte Horeb and got more pics and info. Calen and Haley went with me to the Women’s Bible Study at Las Quimeras. They shared their testimonies and we had a really good time with the ladies. There were only about 10 there, I think due to the rainy weather, but it was fun. We had brought the monthly food for that feeding center, so we hurried and unloaded it all before the rain got too strong. I did computer work that night and also called my sweet ‘daughter’ Kelly, whose husband, my sweet ‘son’ Jeremy, was in Estelí for the week. She was doing well with him gone by having friends spend lots of time with her. It was good to hear her voice.
Thursday (6/14) Our regular cook, Lydia, is sick and Sherry was working with Erika (an assistant to Lydia when we have teams) for cooking for us when the teams arrive. Erika was game, but the next day had to quit because her husband is going out of the country for a little while and she has 2 small children to take care of. So Sherry was scrambling to find a replacement just days before we start our back to back teams for the summer. Liana has helped us before and Sherry sent me and Erika and Jassiel to find her. We got to her neighborhood and found a teenaged boy to help us find her house. He jumped in the Sportage with us and directed us. His directions were pretty comical. We found Liana and she agreed to come to talk to Sherry. She jumped in the car and off we went. Before we got back on the highway, they all were yelling at me to stop. I had forgotten to let the boy get out of the car. He must have thought that I was kidnapping him! LOL Anyway, Liana came to talk with Sherry and all is well. She will cook for us this summer while Lydia is sick. I took Saturnino to the Monte Horeb feeding center to spray for bugs. While there, the neighbor girl wanted us to come and spray her mom’s house, too. I think if we would have done that, we would have ended up doing the whole community. Which is kind of a neat mission for the future… Sherry took Mayela, Lesly, Jorge and all the interns to the beach and horseback riding for their last quiet afternoon. I stayed back at the team house and got tons of work done (love my quiet time) and finished my laundry (including sheets) and was a happy camper! They ate dinner at Suyapa and I had yummy left overs from the fridge. Everyone was satisfied.
Tomorrow will bring a new phase to the summer missions. Ready for the busy season! Ready for the Harvest!!!
June 1 - 9, 2012
June 1 - 9, 2012
I’m posting this on June 17 and it’s been over half a month since I’ve posted and that’s not like me at all. But the more I got behind, the more daunting the task of catching up. I tend to run on and on normally, so this will be an improvement in condensing my daily treks here in Nica.
I arrived back in León on Thursday night (May 31). I spent Friday unpacking, and giving away all the goodies that I brought back from the states. A few of us went on a recon trip to find the areas where we would be doing VBS with the interns the coming week. I met with Estefanie and worked on the Bible study notes that she translated for me into Spanish. The interns arrived later in the evening. It was a good day.
Saturday (6/1) was orientation for the interns: Haley, Rachel, Calen, Austin and Zachary. Charlie Brown is staying the summer here, also. I did some computer work and then took the interns downtown for some orienting and shopping. We all went to Suyapa for dinner.
Sunday (6/3) we went to La Quimera church. I worked on communication stuff and rested and then we all went to Todopoderoso church in the evening. We got home to no electricity for a large part of the evening. Welcome to Nicaragua, interns!!!
Monday (6/4) The interns went with Mayela and me to Monte Horeb Feeding Center and played and face painted while Mayela and I took new pics and gathered more info on the kids. We had to stop at a couple of librerias (bookstore/stationary store) before we settled on the appropriate paint. In the afternoon, Mayela and I worked on Feeding Center computer stuff and the interns went with Lesly to the market to buy the weekly produce for 4 Feeding Centers. In the late afternoon, Mary and I took the interns to Tip Top for dinner and then to La Union (grocery store) before heading back to the team house.
Tuesday (6/5) was another day for working at the Feeding Centers. This time we went to La Quimera and the interns did the same thing. After lunch, we went to the copy place to make color sheets for VBS, hardware stores (teeny places) to try to find a light bulb for Mary’s desk lamp (didn’t find one) and then to Eskimo for ice cream. When we got back to the team house, I went swimming with the interns and we had a nice evening. The interns worked on putting the pics in the photo album for the San Jacinto Feeding Center.
Wednesday (6/6) we stayed here at the team house all morning. Mayela and I had tons of computer work to do after visiting the feeding centers on Monday and Tuesday. The interns pulled stuff together for VBS next week. In the afternoon, Sherry & Mike took everyone to Poneloya beach and Suyapa for dinner. I stayed back at the team house and enjoyed the quiet and got a lot of work done. It was a blessing for me as well as everyone else.
Thursday (6/7) The interns helped Mary give out reading glasses at Monte Horeb. Sherry, Mayela and I met with some of the women of the Monte Horeb community trying to get volunteers to help cook the meals for the kids. After lunch, the interns did VBS in a new (to us) neighborhood that is located near a cement wall with a pepsi sign painted on it. Since I can’t remember the name of the neighborhood, I just call it the Pepsi neighborhood. I worked on the computer and did laundry.
There was a Pastor’s conference held at our team house (aka Hotel Berlin) and over 60 people were staying overnight from Thursday afternoon until Saturday afternoon. They were everywhere and we stayed pretty much in our rooms. This doesn’t bother me at all because I have tons of computer work and lessons to work on and reading on my Kindle and sewing, etc.
Friday (6/8) The interns went to La Quimera to pass out reading glasses to the folks there. The interns did a second day of VBS at the Pepsi neighborhood and I did a lot of computer catching up.
Saturday (6/9) We left early to do a VBS at a remote neighborhood that I first visited 2 years ago. We had to drive a little while and then park the van at the end of the rutted road and walk about a mile through a field to the little school. There was some mix up on vehicles (due to lack of communication – which happens a lot with us) and then we missed our turn off (which happens a lot with us) and then we put a Pastor and his 3 kids in with our already overflowing van (which happens a lot with us). It was a good VBS and we all had fun. And some of the kids prayed to receive Christ!!! Later that day, Charlie and Jeremy left to pick up some of the team going to Estelí for the crusade. I drove the interns and Mary downtown to the movies. I don’t go because of my hearing problem, but I enjoyed my time alone with some Spanish lessons and then ordered pizza to bring home with us. Everyone liked the movie and we had yummy pizza for dinner and the interns swam some more. We were so happy for the Pastor’s conference to be over so we could roam around our compound. It was the last time that we are renting out the place and that is wonderful!
Now it was time to gear up for a busy week of ministry while part of the staff was in Estelí for the crusade!!
I’m posting this on June 17 and it’s been over half a month since I’ve posted and that’s not like me at all. But the more I got behind, the more daunting the task of catching up. I tend to run on and on normally, so this will be an improvement in condensing my daily treks here in Nica.
I arrived back in León on Thursday night (May 31). I spent Friday unpacking, and giving away all the goodies that I brought back from the states. A few of us went on a recon trip to find the areas where we would be doing VBS with the interns the coming week. I met with Estefanie and worked on the Bible study notes that she translated for me into Spanish. The interns arrived later in the evening. It was a good day.
Saturday (6/1) was orientation for the interns: Haley, Rachel, Calen, Austin and Zachary. Charlie Brown is staying the summer here, also. I did some computer work and then took the interns downtown for some orienting and shopping. We all went to Suyapa for dinner.
Sunday (6/3) we went to La Quimera church. I worked on communication stuff and rested and then we all went to Todopoderoso church in the evening. We got home to no electricity for a large part of the evening. Welcome to Nicaragua, interns!!!
Monday (6/4) The interns went with Mayela and me to Monte Horeb Feeding Center and played and face painted while Mayela and I took new pics and gathered more info on the kids. We had to stop at a couple of librerias (bookstore/stationary store) before we settled on the appropriate paint. In the afternoon, Mayela and I worked on Feeding Center computer stuff and the interns went with Lesly to the market to buy the weekly produce for 4 Feeding Centers. In the late afternoon, Mary and I took the interns to Tip Top for dinner and then to La Union (grocery store) before heading back to the team house.
Tuesday (6/5) was another day for working at the Feeding Centers. This time we went to La Quimera and the interns did the same thing. After lunch, we went to the copy place to make color sheets for VBS, hardware stores (teeny places) to try to find a light bulb for Mary’s desk lamp (didn’t find one) and then to Eskimo for ice cream. When we got back to the team house, I went swimming with the interns and we had a nice evening. The interns worked on putting the pics in the photo album for the San Jacinto Feeding Center.
Wednesday (6/6) we stayed here at the team house all morning. Mayela and I had tons of computer work to do after visiting the feeding centers on Monday and Tuesday. The interns pulled stuff together for VBS next week. In the afternoon, Sherry & Mike took everyone to Poneloya beach and Suyapa for dinner. I stayed back at the team house and enjoyed the quiet and got a lot of work done. It was a blessing for me as well as everyone else.
Thursday (6/7) The interns helped Mary give out reading glasses at Monte Horeb. Sherry, Mayela and I met with some of the women of the Monte Horeb community trying to get volunteers to help cook the meals for the kids. After lunch, the interns did VBS in a new (to us) neighborhood that is located near a cement wall with a pepsi sign painted on it. Since I can’t remember the name of the neighborhood, I just call it the Pepsi neighborhood. I worked on the computer and did laundry.
There was a Pastor’s conference held at our team house (aka Hotel Berlin) and over 60 people were staying overnight from Thursday afternoon until Saturday afternoon. They were everywhere and we stayed pretty much in our rooms. This doesn’t bother me at all because I have tons of computer work and lessons to work on and reading on my Kindle and sewing, etc.
Friday (6/8) The interns went to La Quimera to pass out reading glasses to the folks there. The interns did a second day of VBS at the Pepsi neighborhood and I did a lot of computer catching up.
Saturday (6/9) We left early to do a VBS at a remote neighborhood that I first visited 2 years ago. We had to drive a little while and then park the van at the end of the rutted road and walk about a mile through a field to the little school. There was some mix up on vehicles (due to lack of communication – which happens a lot with us) and then we missed our turn off (which happens a lot with us) and then we put a Pastor and his 3 kids in with our already overflowing van (which happens a lot with us). It was a good VBS and we all had fun. And some of the kids prayed to receive Christ!!! Later that day, Charlie and Jeremy left to pick up some of the team going to Estelí for the crusade. I drove the interns and Mary downtown to the movies. I don’t go because of my hearing problem, but I enjoyed my time alone with some Spanish lessons and then ordered pizza to bring home with us. Everyone liked the movie and we had yummy pizza for dinner and the interns swam some more. We were so happy for the Pastor’s conference to be over so we could roam around our compound. It was the last time that we are renting out the place and that is wonderful!
Now it was time to gear up for a busy week of ministry while part of the staff was in Estelí for the crusade!!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sitting at the airport in Louisville KY (the closest and cheapest airport to my family in Columbus IN). All checked in and ready for my return travel back to Nicaragua. I don’t like travel days at all (because of my stomach and ear problems), but it will be good to be back in Nica. My mind is already getting back into that mindset.
Yesterday, I went with Sandy, Terry, Conner and Isaac to visit my Aunt June and Uncle Mac in Ohio. It was a 2+ hour drive there. We visited for a couple of hours with them at their retirement condo. It was a very nice place. They have always had a huge house (4 boys) and it was a change to move to a 2 bedroom place, but it’s really cute and laid out nice. We stopped for lunch and then at a couple of stores on our way out of Ohio. I found a cute pair of sandals to take back to Nica. We got back to Sandy’s about 6pm and I finished up some laundry and packed for the last time. I slept pretty well considering I had so many things on my mind.
Today, Sandy and Colten (2yr old grandson) and I went to the Credit Union to deposit my checks from Dad’s estate. I put the money in a couple of accounts and took care of some business. Over an hour later, we walked out of the bank and headed south to the Louisville airport.
Colten finally started saying my name on this trip. Although he calls me Icky Jo (Vickie Jo). It’s a start! At least he doesn’t say a curse word before or after my name! haha
Sandy and I were just saying how fast this week has flown by. We had many appointments and were on the road constantly. She only had time to cook at home twice. There was no time for just relaxing. But I got so many things on my list taken care of. I’m thankful for the wonderful weather and the safe travels. Sandy helped me out a lot by making lots of phone calls and doing a lot of research for me so that I could just walk into the appointments and get things done. And we did a TON of shopping. I just about got everything on the Nica shopping list. I couldn’t fit everything I bought into my 2 suitcases, so a large amount will go back to Nica with me in the fall. I tried to prioritize as best I could. I always stress over the weight of my suitcases, and I was between 5-8 pounds underweight, but I was afraid to put anything else in them. I’m so thankful that I don’t have to tote them around everywhere! My carry-on and laptop backpack are enough trouble on the plane.
It would be nice if we could ship things to Nica, but then we would probably take those things for granted. We cherish every ministry supply now since it’s not easy to get them. It’s like Christmas to us!
A funny thing happened as I was going through security at the airport. I am wearing capris with cargo pockets. As I went through the body scanner I set off an alert. Seems that I forgot that I had (foil covered) Werther’s candies in the left cargo pocket. So I had to have my left leg patted down, remove the candy, have the candy x-rayed and then have my leg patted down again. I felt like I was caught by the candy police for eating too many sweets! Ha
I love my hard-sided luggage, especially the carry-on, which I use for a footstool at the airport. It’s nice to stretch my legs and elevate them between flights.
It’s about time to board my first flight, so I’ll finish this later.
Happy travels!
Yesterday, I went with Sandy, Terry, Conner and Isaac to visit my Aunt June and Uncle Mac in Ohio. It was a 2+ hour drive there. We visited for a couple of hours with them at their retirement condo. It was a very nice place. They have always had a huge house (4 boys) and it was a change to move to a 2 bedroom place, but it’s really cute and laid out nice. We stopped for lunch and then at a couple of stores on our way out of Ohio. I found a cute pair of sandals to take back to Nica. We got back to Sandy’s about 6pm and I finished up some laundry and packed for the last time. I slept pretty well considering I had so many things on my mind.
Today, Sandy and Colten (2yr old grandson) and I went to the Credit Union to deposit my checks from Dad’s estate. I put the money in a couple of accounts and took care of some business. Over an hour later, we walked out of the bank and headed south to the Louisville airport.
Colten finally started saying my name on this trip. Although he calls me Icky Jo (Vickie Jo). It’s a start! At least he doesn’t say a curse word before or after my name! haha
Sandy and I were just saying how fast this week has flown by. We had many appointments and were on the road constantly. She only had time to cook at home twice. There was no time for just relaxing. But I got so many things on my list taken care of. I’m thankful for the wonderful weather and the safe travels. Sandy helped me out a lot by making lots of phone calls and doing a lot of research for me so that I could just walk into the appointments and get things done. And we did a TON of shopping. I just about got everything on the Nica shopping list. I couldn’t fit everything I bought into my 2 suitcases, so a large amount will go back to Nica with me in the fall. I tried to prioritize as best I could. I always stress over the weight of my suitcases, and I was between 5-8 pounds underweight, but I was afraid to put anything else in them. I’m so thankful that I don’t have to tote them around everywhere! My carry-on and laptop backpack are enough trouble on the plane.
It would be nice if we could ship things to Nica, but then we would probably take those things for granted. We cherish every ministry supply now since it’s not easy to get them. It’s like Christmas to us!
A funny thing happened as I was going through security at the airport. I am wearing capris with cargo pockets. As I went through the body scanner I set off an alert. Seems that I forgot that I had (foil covered) Werther’s candies in the left cargo pocket. So I had to have my left leg patted down, remove the candy, have the candy x-rayed and then have my leg patted down again. I felt like I was caught by the candy police for eating too many sweets! Ha
I love my hard-sided luggage, especially the carry-on, which I use for a footstool at the airport. It’s nice to stretch my legs and elevate them between flights.
It’s about time to board my first flight, so I’ll finish this later.
Happy travels!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Early evening at my sister’s house and the grandkids are playing outside with various balls, bikes and other vehicles appropriate for kiddos. Sandy’s got the washing machine going non-stop and I’m packing and repacking and repacking again my suitcases, trying to decide what will make the cut for traveling back to Nica with me on this trip.
We had another long day of running errands, shopping and appointments. The appointment with the lawyer was at 3pm and took all of 15 minutes. Sandy has worked so hard since Dad died in January to get the estate in order. It wasn’t a big estate, but the documents were a mess to figure out. Sandy and Terry now own the house and can start tearing it apart to remodel. The house itself was worth $0, so the price was just for the land and 2-car garage/workshop. Terry will have fun making the house inhabitable. Sandy will be moving the rest of the tractor collection (a few thousand are left, but that’s only about 1/10 of what has been sold). It was a nice meeting with Pam, Sandy and I all in attendance. Probably the first time we have all been together in sweet spirit in over 30 years. At least we had that for 15 minutes!
Sandy was wanting to make sure that we could find a parking place at the lawyer’s office, so we arrived downtown 1 hour early. We walked down a couple of blocks to Zaharako’s Ice Cream Parlor. It was started by my great-grandfather’s cousins when they came over to the US from Greece. Sandy had a hot fudge sundae and I had a rootbeer float. Yum!
We finished up my shopping errands and headed home. Terry had traded us vehicles earlier in the afternoon. We took his truck and he took the Tahoe which included 3 kids. Haha! Stacey (my niece) was at the house feeding the kids. Laundry, packing and resting is the agenda for the evening.
One more day here in Indiana and then I’m off to Nica on Thursday. It’s gone by fast, but we sure got a lot of things done! It’s been a good week. It’s hard to believe that Dad has been gone for 5 months on Friday. His woodworking hobby and collecting of tractors has paid off in sales for us 3 girls and many donations to fire departments, historical society, library, companies, etc. I’ve been thrilled to use the money from my part of the sales to buy ministry supplies for Nicaragua. I think that is a good legacy for Dad. I find that I think of him a lot.
We had another long day of running errands, shopping and appointments. The appointment with the lawyer was at 3pm and took all of 15 minutes. Sandy has worked so hard since Dad died in January to get the estate in order. It wasn’t a big estate, but the documents were a mess to figure out. Sandy and Terry now own the house and can start tearing it apart to remodel. The house itself was worth $0, so the price was just for the land and 2-car garage/workshop. Terry will have fun making the house inhabitable. Sandy will be moving the rest of the tractor collection (a few thousand are left, but that’s only about 1/10 of what has been sold). It was a nice meeting with Pam, Sandy and I all in attendance. Probably the first time we have all been together in sweet spirit in over 30 years. At least we had that for 15 minutes!
Sandy was wanting to make sure that we could find a parking place at the lawyer’s office, so we arrived downtown 1 hour early. We walked down a couple of blocks to Zaharako’s Ice Cream Parlor. It was started by my great-grandfather’s cousins when they came over to the US from Greece. Sandy had a hot fudge sundae and I had a rootbeer float. Yum!
We finished up my shopping errands and headed home. Terry had traded us vehicles earlier in the afternoon. We took his truck and he took the Tahoe which included 3 kids. Haha! Stacey (my niece) was at the house feeding the kids. Laundry, packing and resting is the agenda for the evening.
One more day here in Indiana and then I’m off to Nica on Thursday. It’s gone by fast, but we sure got a lot of things done! It’s been a good week. It’s hard to believe that Dad has been gone for 5 months on Friday. His woodworking hobby and collecting of tractors has paid off in sales for us 3 girls and many donations to fire departments, historical society, library, companies, etc. I’ve been thrilled to use the money from my part of the sales to buy ministry supplies for Nicaragua. I think that is a good legacy for Dad. I find that I think of him a lot.
Monday, May 28, 2012
It’s Memorial Day in the states and I’m here, so I get to spend time with family as they take off work.
Sandy, Terry and I met with a couple who live in upstate NY and are heirs of one of the companies that was a major part of Columbus IN (where my family lives) for many years. My Dad had made some woodworking replicas of the products produced by that company and given them to the family. Bill and his wife were very appreciative and were visiting Columbus for the weekend, so they called my sister to get together. They met us at Bob Evans Restaurant for lunch. Then they went with us to see Dad’s grave. It was interesting to visit with them.
We had an appointment to be at Dad’s house to show more tractors, so we swung by there. Two ladies came and had a blast looking through everything. They bought some tractors and then came back in even before they drove away and bought some little gas pumps to go with the tractors. They were fun.
We came back out to Sandy’s and fixed dinner. Stacey was hungry for home made noodles and mashed potatoes. We had that, chicken, frozen corn from last year’s garden and canned green beans from last year’s garden. Yum!! I ate way too much, of course!
After dinner, Sandy and Stacey and I went to the outlet mall in Edinburgh again. Sandy and I had to cut our trip short the day before to sell more tractors. I got a few more jeans and tried on more shoes, but the jeans were the only things I bought. Stacey found some cute maternity tops. Sandy found some more shoes. It was a good trip. We needed the walk, too!
I was sooo tired by the time we got back to the house. I went to bed early, but slept badly. I would have loved to slept for about 12 hours in that comfy bed! But it was a nice day!
Sandy, Terry and I met with a couple who live in upstate NY and are heirs of one of the companies that was a major part of Columbus IN (where my family lives) for many years. My Dad had made some woodworking replicas of the products produced by that company and given them to the family. Bill and his wife were very appreciative and were visiting Columbus for the weekend, so they called my sister to get together. They met us at Bob Evans Restaurant for lunch. Then they went with us to see Dad’s grave. It was interesting to visit with them.
We had an appointment to be at Dad’s house to show more tractors, so we swung by there. Two ladies came and had a blast looking through everything. They bought some tractors and then came back in even before they drove away and bought some little gas pumps to go with the tractors. They were fun.
We came back out to Sandy’s and fixed dinner. Stacey was hungry for home made noodles and mashed potatoes. We had that, chicken, frozen corn from last year’s garden and canned green beans from last year’s garden. Yum!! I ate way too much, of course!
After dinner, Sandy and Stacey and I went to the outlet mall in Edinburgh again. Sandy and I had to cut our trip short the day before to sell more tractors. I got a few more jeans and tried on more shoes, but the jeans were the only things I bought. Stacey found some cute maternity tops. Sandy found some more shoes. It was a good trip. We needed the walk, too!
I was sooo tired by the time we got back to the house. I went to bed early, but slept badly. I would have loved to slept for about 12 hours in that comfy bed! But it was a nice day!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
We were planning on going to Ohio to visit my Aunt June today, but we forgot to call and see if she would be home. Sandy called this morning and it turns out that June has plans for today and tomorrow, so we are going to drive over to visit her on Wednesday.
Sandy and I went shopping at the outlet mall in Edinburgh. We had planned on going on up to Greenwood Mall, but while shopping at the outlet mall, Sandy got a call from someone wanting to look at the tractors that are left at Dad’s. We grabbed an Arby’s (one of my favorites and I miss them when in Nica) and headed back to Dad’s house. Sandy stayed at the house and took care of business while I drove the truck on over to a few stores to get more things off of my list.
I went to Best Buy and Office Max and found the things I was looking for. Then Sandy called and I headed back to get her. We then went to JoAnn Fabrics and I found some great stuff on sale for the sewing classes in Nica. Then we went to the DollarTree store and I got great deals there. Then a stop at Big Lots for more bargains. We were pretty tired by then, so we went to Kroger grocery store and I stayed in the truck while Sandy ran in for sodas, potatoes, cool whip and chicken. Luckily, she’s not cooking all of those things together! Ha
We were driving Dad’s little Ford Ranger pick up (which Sandy bought from the estate) and even though it has a tool box for storage in the bed, we had it stuffed with purchases! I barely had room to put my feet. We decided that it was time to go home!
I inventoried my purchases and took everything out of the packaging so that it will all fit in my suitcases better. What a haul! I’ve just about spent all my mad money (that came from the sales of Dad’s tractor collection). It’s all going to the ministry for supplies and stuff for me to be able to serve in Nica. I’m glad to be able to invest it in that way.
It’s time for bed again and I think I’ve made some good headway on getting things done during this quick trip to IN. I’m looking forward to another restful sleep. This time is going by quickly, but we’re enjoying it. Tomorrow will be spent with a little more shopping and then lots of time with family. It will be nice. I’m truly blessed.
Sandy and I went shopping at the outlet mall in Edinburgh. We had planned on going on up to Greenwood Mall, but while shopping at the outlet mall, Sandy got a call from someone wanting to look at the tractors that are left at Dad’s. We grabbed an Arby’s (one of my favorites and I miss them when in Nica) and headed back to Dad’s house. Sandy stayed at the house and took care of business while I drove the truck on over to a few stores to get more things off of my list.
I went to Best Buy and Office Max and found the things I was looking for. Then Sandy called and I headed back to get her. We then went to JoAnn Fabrics and I found some great stuff on sale for the sewing classes in Nica. Then we went to the DollarTree store and I got great deals there. Then a stop at Big Lots for more bargains. We were pretty tired by then, so we went to Kroger grocery store and I stayed in the truck while Sandy ran in for sodas, potatoes, cool whip and chicken. Luckily, she’s not cooking all of those things together! Ha
We were driving Dad’s little Ford Ranger pick up (which Sandy bought from the estate) and even though it has a tool box for storage in the bed, we had it stuffed with purchases! I barely had room to put my feet. We decided that it was time to go home!
I inventoried my purchases and took everything out of the packaging so that it will all fit in my suitcases better. What a haul! I’ve just about spent all my mad money (that came from the sales of Dad’s tractor collection). It’s all going to the ministry for supplies and stuff for me to be able to serve in Nica. I’m glad to be able to invest it in that way.
It’s time for bed again and I think I’ve made some good headway on getting things done during this quick trip to IN. I’m looking forward to another restful sleep. This time is going by quickly, but we’re enjoying it. Tomorrow will be spent with a little more shopping and then lots of time with family. It will be nice. I’m truly blessed.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sandy and Terry get up really early and start getting a lot done before I get up. I think that Sandy also likes to have that time to herself, too. I know I love my alone time.
We got ready for the day and waited for Uncle Bob (Dad’s only surviving sibling) and his wife Susie. We all headed off for a road trip to Montgomery IN to have lunch at an Amish buffet restaurant. It was a 2 hour drive and I don’t look forward to long trips (because of my stomach) but it was pretty nice. It was a beautiful day and Susie kept us entertained with talking. Bob and Terry kept up a conversation in the front seat. I was good and hungry by the time we got there.
The food was really good. After stuffing ourselves, we walked around the flea market on the grounds. I found the cutest denim jacket from Disney World with embroidery for Minnie Mouse on it. It was sooo cute!
On the ride back, we stopped at a guy’s house that deals in ‘farm toys’ to give him some pictures of something that Dad had made. He has bought a lot of Dad’s collection. Then we hit the road again and I dozed off and on for most of the ride back. It was nice to spend time with Bob and Susie.
Sandy and I jumped in the car and headed to Walmart, where I spent a ton of my mad money (from the sales of Dad’s tractors) on stuff to take back to Nica. It was so fun to get to mark a lot of stuff off of my shopping list. I ended up washing the receipt and had to inventory everything. I will have to check the prices on my next trip to WM. Oh well… It was a good shopping trip!
Time for bed again. Another good day and another good night’s sleep.
We got ready for the day and waited for Uncle Bob (Dad’s only surviving sibling) and his wife Susie. We all headed off for a road trip to Montgomery IN to have lunch at an Amish buffet restaurant. It was a 2 hour drive and I don’t look forward to long trips (because of my stomach) but it was pretty nice. It was a beautiful day and Susie kept us entertained with talking. Bob and Terry kept up a conversation in the front seat. I was good and hungry by the time we got there.
The food was really good. After stuffing ourselves, we walked around the flea market on the grounds. I found the cutest denim jacket from Disney World with embroidery for Minnie Mouse on it. It was sooo cute!
On the ride back, we stopped at a guy’s house that deals in ‘farm toys’ to give him some pictures of something that Dad had made. He has bought a lot of Dad’s collection. Then we hit the road again and I dozed off and on for most of the ride back. It was nice to spend time with Bob and Susie.
Sandy and I jumped in the car and headed to Walmart, where I spent a ton of my mad money (from the sales of Dad’s tractors) on stuff to take back to Nica. It was so fun to get to mark a lot of stuff off of my shopping list. I ended up washing the receipt and had to inventory everything. I will have to check the prices on my next trip to WM. Oh well… It was a good shopping trip!
Time for bed again. Another good day and another good night’s sleep.
Friday, May 25, 2012
My week visiting my sister will be packed with appointments, visits and shopping. We started the day with pedicures, which I really appreciated! We then headed to Target to start my shopping marathon. I was excited to get a special backpack that Jaasiel wanted. Woohoo!
We met with a financial advisor that my sister and bro-in-law use. He explained things very well to me. Even though I don’t have a lot of money to invest, he listened to me and my weird lifestyle and needs. (being a missionary means that you live opposite of what the world says is success and what goals should be) He gave me good advise and we filled out papers for next week when I receive my money from Dad’s estate. It’s not much, but it will help me when I reach retirement age (although I don’t plan on retiring form mission work).
We visited Mom and Gary at their house. Mom had just gotten home after having back surgery on Tuesday. She looked very tired, so we didn’t stay long. She seemed glad to have the surgery over with. Gary seemed glad to be home.
Sandy and I had a great lunch at a BBQ restaurant. We stopped at a yard sale and I found a couple of baby outfits for Nica. We stopped by Dad’s house (which Sandy and Terry are buying from the estate) and I was very impressed with all that they had done to clear out the house. Sandy has sold tons of tractors form Dad’s collection. It was amazing to see how different everything was.
Then we picked up Colten from Rob (his step-dad) and then picked up Conner and Isaac, some of Sandy’s other grand-kids. We got back to Sandy’s and had a cook out for dinner. Stacey came after work and Curtis, my nephew got here in time for the cookout, too. It was good to see them all.
Another night of going to bed at 11pm (which feels like 9pm to me) and sleeping great until 7am the next morning (which feels like 5am to me). I do feel more rested and healthy. It’s nice to be here.
We met with a financial advisor that my sister and bro-in-law use. He explained things very well to me. Even though I don’t have a lot of money to invest, he listened to me and my weird lifestyle and needs. (being a missionary means that you live opposite of what the world says is success and what goals should be) He gave me good advise and we filled out papers for next week when I receive my money from Dad’s estate. It’s not much, but it will help me when I reach retirement age (although I don’t plan on retiring form mission work).
We visited Mom and Gary at their house. Mom had just gotten home after having back surgery on Tuesday. She looked very tired, so we didn’t stay long. She seemed glad to have the surgery over with. Gary seemed glad to be home.
Sandy and I had a great lunch at a BBQ restaurant. We stopped at a yard sale and I found a couple of baby outfits for Nica. We stopped by Dad’s house (which Sandy and Terry are buying from the estate) and I was very impressed with all that they had done to clear out the house. Sandy has sold tons of tractors form Dad’s collection. It was amazing to see how different everything was.
Then we picked up Colten from Rob (his step-dad) and then picked up Conner and Isaac, some of Sandy’s other grand-kids. We got back to Sandy’s and had a cook out for dinner. Stacey came after work and Curtis, my nephew got here in time for the cookout, too. It was good to see them all.
Another night of going to bed at 11pm (which feels like 9pm to me) and sleeping great until 7am the next morning (which feels like 5am to me). I do feel more rested and healthy. It’s nice to be here.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Travel day to the US!!
I got up at 4am and got my shower. It didn’t take very long to get my things together and check out of the hotel.
I usually walk across the highway to the airport when it’s early and there’s not much traffic, but I treated myself to riding in the complimentary van service. It only costs what you want to tip.
I checked in for my flight. My checked baggage was just a few things inside my medium suitcase which was inside my big suitcase. Still, that only weighed in at 28 pounds. They will both weigh much more after I buy all the things in the states that are on my shopping list.
I purchased a couple of things from the little shops downstairs, including a nice little leather purse. How fun! I got upstairs and went to the little restaurant that I like to get breakfast at. They were not open any longer. Bummer! I stopped in at a little shop and bought a few souvenirs. I also bought my mom a pretty bracelet for her birthday. I stopped in at a snack place and had an awesome fresh fruit smoothing (pineapple and orange) and a banana for breakfast.
Once boarded on the plane, we were allowed to move around since over half of the plane was empty. I got a whole row to myself. Ahhh… I took a little bit of a nap. One of the flight attendants started chatting with me and we had a great conversation about the ministry and what the chances are for her to join us sometimes in León for some volunteer work. Her name is Connie and I’m looking forward to staying in touch with her. Later, another flight attendant came and sat with me and talked about the ministry, too. We made it to Atlanta in good time and then they couldn’t get the jetway to work. It was blocking the way and we had to wait for them to get it working to move it at all. It didn’t take too long, but it was funny to me.
I had a good lunch at Chili’s restaurant and made some phone calls. I had a couple of hours to kill so it was nice. I walked around a lot and enjoyed myself.
My flight to Louisville was completely full and uneventful. I enjoyed reading my Kindle while my seatmate slept most of the way. After we arrived, I ran into my seatmate again at the baggage claim and we had a long conversation. He was a really nice guy. I called my sister to tell her I was ready to be picked up (she usually waits in a little parking area), but she was still a ways away from the airport. There was some major traffic congestion on the interstate. I told her I didn’t mind waiting because it was nice to be out of a moving vehicle for a little bit. I stood outside the terminal and enjoyed the fresh air and made some phone calls.
Sandy, my niece Stacey and her son Colten came to get me. We stopped so I could grab a sandwich at Arby’s and Colten (2 years old) was so funny. He found a little old man eating by himself and went over and said hello. Then he crawled up in the next booth and stared at the guy. The man was very nice about it.
Colten would not say my name in February when I was last here. He finally started saying my name now. He is so funny. (and stubborn)
We got to my sister’s house and got settled in. I was very tired. Even though my body clock is 2 hours behind IN, I was ready for bed. I slept very well and really appreciated the rest.
It was a good day of travel and I’m so thankful to God for the time with Him.
I got up at 4am and got my shower. It didn’t take very long to get my things together and check out of the hotel.
I usually walk across the highway to the airport when it’s early and there’s not much traffic, but I treated myself to riding in the complimentary van service. It only costs what you want to tip.
I checked in for my flight. My checked baggage was just a few things inside my medium suitcase which was inside my big suitcase. Still, that only weighed in at 28 pounds. They will both weigh much more after I buy all the things in the states that are on my shopping list.
I purchased a couple of things from the little shops downstairs, including a nice little leather purse. How fun! I got upstairs and went to the little restaurant that I like to get breakfast at. They were not open any longer. Bummer! I stopped in at a little shop and bought a few souvenirs. I also bought my mom a pretty bracelet for her birthday. I stopped in at a snack place and had an awesome fresh fruit smoothing (pineapple and orange) and a banana for breakfast.
Once boarded on the plane, we were allowed to move around since over half of the plane was empty. I got a whole row to myself. Ahhh… I took a little bit of a nap. One of the flight attendants started chatting with me and we had a great conversation about the ministry and what the chances are for her to join us sometimes in León for some volunteer work. Her name is Connie and I’m looking forward to staying in touch with her. Later, another flight attendant came and sat with me and talked about the ministry, too. We made it to Atlanta in good time and then they couldn’t get the jetway to work. It was blocking the way and we had to wait for them to get it working to move it at all. It didn’t take too long, but it was funny to me.
I had a good lunch at Chili’s restaurant and made some phone calls. I had a couple of hours to kill so it was nice. I walked around a lot and enjoyed myself.
My flight to Louisville was completely full and uneventful. I enjoyed reading my Kindle while my seatmate slept most of the way. After we arrived, I ran into my seatmate again at the baggage claim and we had a long conversation. He was a really nice guy. I called my sister to tell her I was ready to be picked up (she usually waits in a little parking area), but she was still a ways away from the airport. There was some major traffic congestion on the interstate. I told her I didn’t mind waiting because it was nice to be out of a moving vehicle for a little bit. I stood outside the terminal and enjoyed the fresh air and made some phone calls.
Sandy, my niece Stacey and her son Colten came to get me. We stopped so I could grab a sandwich at Arby’s and Colten (2 years old) was so funny. He found a little old man eating by himself and went over and said hello. Then he crawled up in the next booth and stared at the guy. The man was very nice about it.
Colten would not say my name in February when I was last here. He finally started saying my name now. He is so funny. (and stubborn)
We got to my sister’s house and got settled in. I was very tired. Even though my body clock is 2 hours behind IN, I was ready for bed. I slept very well and really appreciated the rest.
It was a good day of travel and I’m so thankful to God for the time with Him.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I got up early and had some plain pancakes for breakfast. I love to eat them like bread. I got the chance to chat with Denise, one of the team members, before time to leave. I would have loved to have another hour or two to talk with her. We’ll have to catch up on email.
I put my suitcases in the van and joined the team for their Fun Day excursion. We rode 3 hours over to Masaya to the Mombacho volcano for the Canopy Tour (zip line down the side the of the volcano). I got to sit and chat with Manuel and Danilo while the team ziplined. Chet and the 3 little girls hiked around and cheered on the zipping people.
Then we headed to Granada for a yummy lunch at Zanguan’s restaurant. It always takes forever to get in and out of there, but the food is really good. Then we headed out to Catarina for some shopping and then it was about 4:30 and time to head back to Managua to take me to the hotel across from the airport.
I was dropped off at the hotel about 5:30 and the team headed on back to León. I called Mike to let him know the team was on its way. I rested in my room for a while and then went to the restaurant at the hotel and had a great dinner. Grilled chicken breast stuffed with spinach and mozzarella cheese, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. I was in heaven! I returned to my room and watched a little tv and read for awhile. I made some phone calls and then went to bed. I had set my alarm clock for 4am, so I was wanting to get to sleep as soon as possible.
I really enjoyed sleeping at the hotel. Although it was very strange to not have the noises from the birds, geckos, frogs, etc. I slept well. I was feeling better after being really sick earlier in the week, but the rest was great. I felt very much at peace.
I put my suitcases in the van and joined the team for their Fun Day excursion. We rode 3 hours over to Masaya to the Mombacho volcano for the Canopy Tour (zip line down the side the of the volcano). I got to sit and chat with Manuel and Danilo while the team ziplined. Chet and the 3 little girls hiked around and cheered on the zipping people.
Then we headed to Granada for a yummy lunch at Zanguan’s restaurant. It always takes forever to get in and out of there, but the food is really good. Then we headed out to Catarina for some shopping and then it was about 4:30 and time to head back to Managua to take me to the hotel across from the airport.
I was dropped off at the hotel about 5:30 and the team headed on back to León. I called Mike to let him know the team was on its way. I rested in my room for a while and then went to the restaurant at the hotel and had a great dinner. Grilled chicken breast stuffed with spinach and mozzarella cheese, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. I was in heaven! I returned to my room and watched a little tv and read for awhile. I made some phone calls and then went to bed. I had set my alarm clock for 4am, so I was wanting to get to sleep as soon as possible.
I really enjoyed sleeping at the hotel. Although it was very strange to not have the noises from the birds, geckos, frogs, etc. I slept well. I was feeling better after being really sick earlier in the week, but the rest was great. I felt very much at peace.
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